Woodland (1)

Tony Arbour: Would the Mayor confirm whether the woodland area to be planted in Enfield announced on 23rd July 2020 is definitely supported by the farmers whose lands the trees will be planted in?

The Mayor: The woodland creation in Enfield responds to the climate and ecological emergencies. Creating 60 hectares of new woodland across Enfield Chase will provide much needed space for people and wildlife, whilst also providing natural flood management, carbon storage and improving air quality. The Covid crisis has also highlighted the importance of accessible, green spaces to Londoners’ health and well-being.
Whilst I have provided some funding for this project, Enfield Council is the landowner and project lead. The Council have been negotiating with the tenant farmers, who lease the land, to enable plots to be released for tree planting. They have negotiated arrangements with each of the farmers which reflect the different circumstances and types of tenancy agreement. They have also undertaken wider consultation to ensure they consider the needs of the whole community.
As the project will also be funded through by the Forestry Commission, I understand the detailed design of the woodlands is still ongoing to ensure the project is supported by all the community it serves.